Travel mug, hand-held fluid container, and beverage cup

ABSTRACT

A travel mug is provided having a base, a wall, and a handle. The wall is configured to extend upwardly from the base having a first portion, a second portion, and a thumb-receiving portion provided between the first portion and the second portion. The handle includes a female receptacle extending through the wall from the first portion to the second, opposed portion.

RELATED PATENT DATA

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/678,223, which was filed May 6, 2005, and which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention pertains to hand-held fluid containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to travel mugs and beverage cups.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cups and mugs have been used for hundreds of years in order to transport fluids such as beverages. However, recently it has become popular to provide cups that have removable lids and which are often referred to as “travel mugs” for storing both hot and cold beverages where the temperature of the beverage may be maintained for a period of time. The lid on such a travel mug allows a user to consume the beverage while mitigating loss of fluid to the top of the mug. Particularly, the lids on such travel mugs prevent fluids from sloshing around, particularly when the travel mugs are stored in a cup holder of a vehicle.

The popularity of travel mugs is largely due to their ability to fit within standard cup holders that are provided in automobiles. Travel mugs often take a relatively cylindrical, elongated configuration having a relatively narrow cylindrical base portion that is sized to fit within most automotive cup holders. Furthermore, many travel mugs are not provided with a handle because the generally elongated, cylindrical shape is optimally configured to be received within a multitude of different shaped cup holders. Some cup holders are provided within consoles of a vehicle wherein the provision of an outwardly projecting handle would make the travel mug incompatible with the cup holder if the depth of the cup holder is too great and the handle interferes with insertion of the travel mug within the cup holder. Accordingly, many travel mugs are not provided with a handle. Instead, a user typically needs to grip an outer cylindrical surface of the travel mug in order to use the travel mug when consuming beverages.

Accordingly, improvements are needed to incorporate a handle onto a travel mug that is still compatible with the majority of automotive cup holders and does not interfere with placement of the travel mug within certain of such cup holders.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A hand-held fluid container is provided with a female handle portion configured to receive one or more fingers of a user hand having four fingers and an opposable thumb, and a thumb-receiving portion provide on an outer surface of the container. In one instance, the container is a travel mug or cup configured to receive beverages, such as hot or cold beverages.

According to one aspect, a travel mug is provided having a base, a wall, and a handle. The wall is configured to extend upwardly from the base having a first portion, a second portion, and a thumb-receiving portion provided between the first portion and the second portion. The handle includes a female receptacle extending through the wall from the first portion to the second, opposed portion.

According to another aspect, a hand-held fluid container is provided having a wall and a receptacle. The wall has a concave portion configured to retain fluid through coaction of gravitational forces with the fluid. The receptacle extends through the wall and into the concave portion and is sized to receive at least a portion of a user's hand to retain the container.

According to yet another aspect, a beverage cup is provided having a rigid outer substantially annular shell and a handle. The rigid outer substantially annular shell defines an open top, a bottom, an inside and an outside. The shell is sized to fit a plurality of alternatively sized vehicle cup holders. The handle includes a female aperture extending into the shell.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a travel mug also showing an optional bottom end configuration.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view taken from above of the optional configuration of the travel mug of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view taken from below of the optional configuration of the travel mug of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is perspective view taken from above of the configuration of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view taken from below of the configuration depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the travel mug of FIGS. 1 and 4-5.

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the travel mug of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view of the travel mug of FIG. 7 taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view taken from below of a lid assembly for the travel mug of FIGS. 1-8.

FIG. 10 is an exploded assembly view taken from above of the lid assembly for the travel mugs of FIGS. 1-8.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the lid assembly of FIGS. 9-10.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the lid assembly of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the lid assembly of FIGS. 11-12.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken from the encircled region 15 of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken from the encircled region 16 of FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

Reference will now be made to a preferred embodiment of Applicant's invention comprising a fluid container in the form of a travel mug. While the invention is described by way of a preferred embodiment, it is understood that the description is not intended to limit the invention to such embodiment, but is intended to cover alternatives, equivalents, and modifications which may be broader than the embodiment, but which are included within the scope of the appended claims.

In an effort to prevent obscuring the invention at hand, only details germane to implementing the invention will be described in great detail, with presently understood peripheral details being incorporated by reference, as needed, as being presently understood in the art.

FIG. 1 illustrates in exploded perspective view a hand-held fluid container configured in one form as a travel mug 100, according to one aspect of the present invention. Travel mug 100 includes a removable lid assembly 101, a main mug body 102 and a frusto-conical base 103 that is compatible with most automotive cup holders. Optionally, a flared base 104 can be substituted for base 103 in constructing an alternatively configured travel mug 1100 as shown in FIGS. 2-3.

As shown in FIG. 1, a grip wrap 107 is provided with a plurality of grip apertures 106. Grip wrap 107 is adhesively bonded onto an outer periphery of body 102 to enhance a user's ability to grip travel mug 100. More particularly, grip wrap 107 comprises a thin strip of sheet material, such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) that is adhered onto an outer surface of body 100. Grip apertures 106 are provided at discrete locations within grip wrap 107 to enhance the grip. Grip wrap 107 is also provided in a location where a user's thumb is placed within an opposable thumb surface portion 120, around such adjacent peripheral portion of body 102 when inserting fingers within an internal handle opening 110 of body 102. Portion 120 is provided between first portion 116 and second portion 118, along outside wall 109. Portion 120 is configured to provide a thumb receiving portion along outside wall 109.

According to one alternative construction, grip wrap 107 can be integrally molded into an outer peripheral surface of body 102. Optionally, grip wrap 107 can be formed from a segment of TPE, rubber, or some other friction-imparting material or elastomeric material that is adhesively affixed onto an outer surface of body 102. Further optionally, one or more grip elements can be adhered within an inside wall 108 of body 102 that forms internal handle 110.

As shown in the alternative embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2-3, as well as the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4-5, lid assembly 101 includes an opening 208 (through which a user receives a beverage), a vent hole 215, and a slot 210 that cooperates with a knob 209 in order to open and close opening 208 and vent hole 215. Further details of the cooperation of knob 209 in slot 210 are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 8-16.

As shown in FIG. 5, base 103 includes a rubber foot, or pad 113 that can be either integrally molded thereto or adhesively affixed thereon. Likewise, the embodiment of FIG. 3 also includes a rubber foot 1113 affixed onto flared base 104 either by integral molding or by being adhesively affixed thereto.

As shown in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-5, internal handle 110 forms an opening that extends between opposed wall portions on body 102. An inside wall 108 extends between opposed wall portions on an outer surface of body 102 so as to provide a vertically oblong slot extending through body 102 into which a user's elongated fingers and hand can be inserted therethrough. A user's thumb is then wrapped along an outer peripheral surface of body 102 so as to lay atop grip elements 106.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the opening that forms internal handle 110 is configured to provide a finger-conforming curve that extends in a curved direction along a horizontal plane through base 102. Accordingly, internal 110 is formed from a female receptacle that extends through body 102 with a curvature that is ergonomically compatible with a user. A right hand user inserts their fingers into the opening of handle 110 as shown in FIG. 1. However, a left-handed user will insert their fingers into the opening of internal handle 110 from an opposite direction so that the curvature of the corresponding opening, or slot matches the natural curvature of a user's four fingers. Accordingly, internal handle 110 is configured with ergonomically complementary user features.

FIGS. 6-8 further illustrate the frusto-conical configuration of base 103 as well as the generally frusto-conical configuration of body 102. Additionally, inside walls 108 is clearly shown as having a vertically oblong slot that includes a finger-conforming curve that extends in a horizontal plane. Furthermore, the slot that forms internal handle 110 is shown as extending through diametrically opposed portions of wall 109.

As shown in FIGS. 6-8, base 103 is ultrasonically welded onto a bottom end of body 102, along the corresponding, mating circumferential edges. Optionally, base 103 can be adhesively affixed onto body 102. Further optionally, base 103 can be integrally formed from body 102, such as by rotomolding body 102 and base 103 from a single piece of plastic material. Further optionally, body 102 and base 103 can be formed from metal such as stainless steel using metal forming and welding techniques that are well understood in the art. In such alternative embodiment, inside wall 108 is formed from a tube of stainless steel that is end welded to the diametrically opposed portions and openings within wall 109. Further optionally, body 102 and base 103 can be formed from a double wall construction similar to that depicted in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,918,761 and 6,102,244, herein incorporated by reference.

As shown in FIG. 8, an interior volume 114 is provided between the boundaries of outside wall 109, inside wall 108, and lid assembly 101. A circumferential joint 105, provided between body 102 and base 103 is sealed via an ultrasonic weld. A cylindrical disk of rubber comprising a rubber foot 113 is affixed onto a bottom of base 103 to stabilize the travel mug when placed on slippery surfaces. And as also shown in FIG. 8, lid assembly 101 includes openings 208, a vent hole 215, and rotary connector assembly 211.

Rotary connector assembly 211 of FIG. 8 comprises an array 207 of circumferentially configured snaps 215 that lock within a cylindrical aperture 212.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate in exploded perspective view the construction of lid assembly 101. More particularly, lid assembly 101 comprises a lid 201, an o-ring seal 202, a cylindrical washer-shaped seal 203, a lid ring 204, a lid seal ring 205, and o-ring seal 206. O-ring seal 206 is received within a circumferential groove 240 of lid ring 204.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, lid 201 of lid assembly 101 includes an array 207 of individual snap fingers 216 that are received through seal 202, seal 203, lid ring 204, lid seal ring 205, and o-ring 206 where each individual snap finger 216 is received through a cylindrical aperture 212 in lid seal ring 205 where each snap finger snaps into interlocking engagement with a cylindrical end surface 228 on ring 205. Additionally, a circumferential lip 226 locks in assembly with a cylindrical end surface 230 on lid ring 204 (also see FIG. 15). Lid 201 also includes a circumferential groove 224 configured to receive o-ring seal 202 therein in assembly.

As shown in FIG. 10, vent hole 215 is formed by aperture 219 in lid 201, aperture 221 in seal 203, and aperture 223 in lid seal ring 205 which are aligned together in assembly. When knob 209 is driven to a furthest clockwise position within slot 210 such that lid seal ring 205 rotates relative to lid 201. Similarly, drink opening 208 (see FIG. 11) is formed by aligning apertures 218, 220 and 222 of lid 201, seal 203 and lid seal ring 205, respectively as knob 209 is rotated to a fully clockwise direction within arcuate slot 210. When knob 209 is rotated into a counterclockwise most position within slot 210, apertures 218 and 219 no longer align with corresponding apertures 220, 222 and 221, 223 which closes respective drink opening 208 and vent hole 215.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, seal 203 includes a radial inner rib 232 and a radial outer rib 234 that are each configured to be received within a cylindrical groove 236 and a corresponding cylindrical edge groove 238 provided in lid seal ring 205.

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate lid assembly 101 in an assembled state ready to be frictionably received into a topmost inner surface of a travel mug comprising a topmost open portion of body 102 (see FIGS. 1-5). As shown in FIGS. 11-13, knob 209 is shown rotated to a clockwise-most position within arcuate slot 210 corresponding with drink opening 208 and vent hole 212 being shown in an open configuration. More particularly, drink opening 208 is provided by aligning apertures 218, 220 and 222. Likewise, vent hole 215 is provided in an open configuration by aligning apertures 219, 221 and 223. Furthermore, FIG. 13 illustrates the locked together configuration of the cup assembly wherein individual snaps, or snap fingers 216 have been received through and engaged against aperture 212, thereby locking together the lid assembly 101.

FIG. 14 illustrates lid assembly 101 taken in vertical sectional view along lines 14-14 of FIG. 12. More particularly, lid 201 is shown rotated relative to lid ring 204 so that drink opening 208 and vent hole 215 are shown in an open configuration. Counterclockwise rotation of knob 219 (see FIG. 11) causes counterclock rotation of seal 203 and lid seal ring 205 relative to lid 201 which closes opening 208 and vent hole 215.

FIG. 15 illustrates in greater detail the relationship of lid 201 which is capable of being rotated relative to lid ring 204. O-ring seal 202 forms a rotatably slidable seal between lid 201 and lid ring 204. In contrast, o-ring 206 is sized to provide a significant interference fit when inserted into an open mouth portion of a main body 102 of a travel mug so that lid ring 204 is seated in an immovable and sealing relation relative to the open mouth portion of the tumble mug body. Accordingly, the relative position of lid 201 can be rotated in relation to tumbler mug base to present the drink opening at a desired circumferential location relative to the handle 110 provided in the travel mug 100 (see FIG. 4). In that FIG. 16 illustrates in greater detail the alignment of apertures 218, 220 and 222 which provide liquid opening 208 in an open configuration.

According to one construction, travel mug 100 (as well as 1100) is constructed with body 102 and base 103/104 constructed from a polycarbonate material. Also according to such embodiment, grip wrap 107 and rubber feet 113, 1113 are each constructed from a sheet of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). According to one optional construction, rubber foot 1113 (see FIGS. 2-3) wraps around a bottom edge of the enlarged portion of flared base 104.

Also according to one construction, lid 201, lid ring 204 and lid seal ring 205 are each constructed from a polycarbonate material. Further to such construction, o-ring seals 202 and 206 are each constructed from silicone material. Furthermore, according to such one construction, seal 203 is constructed from thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

Optionally, the components in travel mugs 100 and 1100 can be constructed from any of a number of engineering materials including elastameric materials, Santoprene®, polymers, plastics, composite materials, as well as metals, including stainless steel. As a further optional construction, the travel mug can be constructed with a double wall construction, or can have an insulative layer provided on an inner surface, an outer surface, or both surfaces.

In addition to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-16, inside wall 108 of internal handle 110 can be constructed to have greater thermal conductivity than outside wall 109. For example, FIG. 8 depicts inside wall 108 having a thinner wall thickness than outside wall 109. Optionally, inside wall 108 can be constructed from a material that has poorer insulating properties than the material used to construct outside wall 109. Alternatively, inside wall 108 and outside wall 109 can be constructed so as to have the same thermal conductivity or insulating properties, or inside wall 108 can be constructed to have greater insulating properties than outside wall 109.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents. 

1. A travel mug, comprising: a base; a wall extending upwardly from the base having a first portion, a second portion, and a thumb-receiving portion provided between the first portion and the second portion; and a handle comprising a female receptacle extending through the wall from the first portion to the second, opposed portion.
 2. The travel mug of claim 1, wherein the female receptacle comprises a vertically oblong slot extending through opposed portions of the wall.
 3. The travel mug of claim 2, wherein the vertically oblong slot comprises a finger-conforming curve in a horizontal plane.
 4. The travel mug of claim 2, wherein the slot extends through diametrically opposed portions of the wall.
 5. The travel mug of claim 1, wherein the wall and the base cooperate to provide a substantially annular shell defining an open top, a bottom, an inside, and an outside.
 6. The travel mug of claim 1, wherein a resilient, frictional grip is provided on an outside of the wall corresponding with the thumb-receiving portion.
 7. The travel mug of claim 6, wherein the grip is adhesively affixed onto the outside of the wall.
 8. The travel mug of claim 6, wherein the grip is molded to the outside of the wall.
 9. A hand-held fluid container, comprising: a wall having a concave portion configured to retain fluid through coaction of gravitational forces with the fluid; and a receptacle extending through the wall and into the concave portion and sized to receive at least a portion of a user's hand to retain the container.
 10. The fluid container of claim 9, wherein the wall comprises a first portion and a thumb-engaging portion spaced from the first portion, wherein the receptacle is provided in the first portion.
 11. The fluid container of claim 10, wherein the wall further comprises a second portion spaced from the first portion with the thumb-engaging portion provided between the first portion and the second portion, and the receptacle is configured to extend through the wall from the first portion to the second portion.
 12. The fluid container of claim 9, wherein the receptacle comprises a vertically oblong slot extending into the concave portion of the wall.
 13. The fluid container of claim 12, wherein the slot comprises a finger-conforming curve extending along a horizontal plane through the container.
 14. The fluid container of claim 9, wherein the receptacle extends through diametrically opposed portions of the wall.
 15. The fluid container of claim 9, wherein the wall provides a base.
 16. The fluid container of claim 9, wherein the wall provides a substantially annular shell providing an open top, a bottom, an inside and an outside.
 17. A beverage cup, comprising: a rigid outer substantially annular shell defining an open top, a bottom, an inside and an outside, the shell sized to fit a plurality of alternatively sized vehicle cup holders; and a handle comprising a female aperture extending into the shell.
 18. The beverage cup of claim 17, wherein the handle does not extend outwardly of the annular shell.
 19. The beverage cup of claim 17, wherein the female aperture extends through the shell from a first portion of the outside to a second portion of the outside spaced from the first portion.
 20. The beverage cup of claim 19, wherein the female aperture comprises an oblong slot configured to receive a plurality of fingers on a hand of a user, the slot having a finger-conforming curve within the shell. 